172: Contemporary Problem-Solving Therapy — Enhancing Resilience to Reduce Suicidality

This intermediate workshop involves training participants in applying contemporary problem-solving therapy (PST) to reduce suicidality. PST is a transdiagnostic, evidenced-based intervention that has been repeatedly found to be effective for a wide range of psychological disorders and problems, including suicide risk. In addition to learning the conceptual and empirical background of this approach, participants learn, via demonstrations and role plays, how to conduct PST as a means of reducing suicidal ideation and preventing suicidal behaviors. Major treatment targets include chronic stress, emotional dysregulation, and ineffective social problem-solving skills.

1. Summarize the underlying conceptual model and empirical support for contemporary PST to reduce suicide risk.
2. Discuss the skills involved in "overcoming brain overload."
3. Describe the "stop and slow down" techniques involved in overcoming emotional dysregulation.
4. Describe the "visualization to enhance hopefulness" tool.
5. List planful problem-solving tools to overcome ineffective social problem solving.
6. Apply the above PST tools when working with depressed and suicidal patients.
7. Adapt PST specifically for current patients.

Arthur M. Nezu, PhD, and Christine M. Nezu, PhD, Drexel University